The  Mountain  Spring 
and  Other  Poems 


NANNIE  R.  GLASS 


BOSTON 

SHERMAN,  FRENCH  #  COMPANY 
1913 


SHERMAN,  FREKCH  &  COMPAKT 
COPYRIGHT,  1913 


TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  HER 
PARENTS,  WHO  KEPT  THEIR 
ALTAR  FIRES  BURNING,  THE 
AUTHOR  AFFECTIONATELY 

DEDICATES    THIS   LITTLE    BOOK 


M191937 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

THE  MOUNTAIN  SPRING 1 

Go  WANDER         3 

LOVE 4 

THE  LILIES 5 

TELL  PETER 6 

THE  SLEET 8 

ANSWERED 9 

ALONE 10 

No  OTHER 12 

WEALTH 13 

THE  CAPTIVES 15 

THE   LIVING  WATER 16 

JESUS  INTERCEDES 19 

EVE'S  FLOWERS 20 

COME  UNTO  ME 21 

NOVEMBER 22 

THE    TRAVELERS 24 

DAYBREAK 27 

GONE 29 

AWAKE  ! 30 

"  ABIDE  WITH  Us  " 31 

O  BETHLEHEM  ! 32 

RING  THE  BELLS 33 

THE  DESERT  SPRING  36 


PAGE 

MUSINGS         40 

BARTIM^US 42 

ZACCH^US 43 

APRIL 45 

BETHLEHEM 47 

NATURE'S  LESSON 48 

THE  MIGRATORY  SWANS 50 

MINISTERING  WOMEN 52 

THAT  JEWISH  LAD 56 

IN  SINCERITY 57 

THEY'RE  COMING!  59 


THE  MOUNTAIN  SPRING 
AND  OTHER  POEMS 


THE  MOUNTAIN  SPRING 

And  let  him  that  is  athirst  come.    And  whosoever  will, 
let  him  take  the  water  of  life  freely. — Revelation  22:17. 

I  WANDERED  down  a  mountain  road, 
Past  flower  and  rock  and  lichen  gray, 

Alone  with  nature  and  her  God 
Upon  a  flitting  summer  day. 

The  forest  skirted  to  the  edge 

Of  Capon  river,  Hampshire's   gem, 

Which,  bathing  many  a  primrose  ledge, 
Oft  sparkled  like  a  diadem. 

At  length  a  silvery  spring  I  spied, 
Gurgling  through  moss  and  fern  along, 

Waiting  to  bless  with  cooling  tide 
All  who  were  gladdened  by  its  song. 

Oh,  who  would  pass  with  thirsting  lip 
And  burning  brow,  this  limpid  wave? 

Who  would  not  pause  with  joy  and  sip? 
Its  crystal  depths  who  would  not  crave? 

This  query  woke  a  voice  within — 

Why  slight  the  spring  of  God's  great  love, 

That  fount  that  cleanseth  from  all  sin, 
Our  purchase  paid  by  Christ  above? 


Whoever  will  may  drink!     Oh,  why, 
Worn  toilers  in  this  earthly  strife, 

Reject  a  mansion  in  the  sky, 

Reject  heaven's  bliss  and  endless  life? 


[8] 


GO  WANDER 

Go,  wander,  little  book, 
Nor  let  thy  wand'ring  cease; 
May  all  who  on  these  pages  look 
From  sin  find  sweet  release, 

Through  Christ,  God's  holy  son, 
Who  left  his  throne  in  heaven 
And  e'en  death's  anguish  did  not  shun 
That  we  might  be  forgiven. 

How  should  our  thoughts  and  deeds 
Exalt  this  mighty  friend, 
Who  died,  yet  lives  and  intercedes 
And  loves  us  to  the  end! 


[3] 


LOVE 

For  by  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith;  and  that  not 
of  yourselves;  it  is  the  gift  of  God. — Ephesians  2:8. 

CHRIST  might  have  called  the  angels  down 
To  bear  him  safe  above, 
To  shield  his  brow  from  sorrow's  crown, 
From  death's  cold  blight,  and  bitter  frown, 
Had  it  not  been  for  love. 

Our  glorious  King,  our  Prince  of  Peace, 
Has  left  his  throne  above 
To  give  our  souls  from  sin  release, 
To  make  our  pain  and  anguish  cease, 
And  all  because  of  love. 

By  faith  in  him,  we  all  may  see 

In  realms  of  light  above, 

Through  streams  of  blood  on  Calvary, 

A  joyful  immortality; — 

The  purchase  price  was  love. 


[4] 


THE  LILIES 

Consider  the  lilies. — Luke  2:27. 

EMBLEMS  of  Christ  our  Lord, 
Roses  and  lilies  fair, 
These  flowers  in  His  word, 
His  glory  seem  to  share. 

The  lilies  of  the  field, 
Sweet  teachers  of  the  soul, 
Which  will  their  lessons  yield 
Long  as  the  seasons  roll, 

They  neither  toil  nor  spin, 
Exist  without  a  care, 
And  yet  no  earthly  king  can  win 
A  garb  so  chaste  and  rare. 

Frozen,  they  burst  to  life, 
To  nature's  minstrelsy — 
A  resurrection  type 
Of  immortality. 


[5] 


TELL  PETER 

And  Simon  Peter  stood  and  warmed  himself. — John 
18:25. 

PETER,  it  was  not  outward  cold 
But  inward  chill  thy  bosom  froze, 
Made  thee  deny  with  falsehood  bold 
Thy  Lord  and  Master  to  his  foes. 
When  we  find  cheer  at  Satan's  fires 
The  world  is  there  to  work  us  harm, 
To  deaden  all  our  pure  desires 
With  its  deceitful  lure  and  charm. 

Peter,  the  voice  of  chanticleer 
Fulfilled  what    Christ   had  prophesied; 
And  oh,  that  pitying  look  sincere 
From  him  whom  thou  hadst  just  denied! 
Thy  burst  of  penitential  grief! 
Heaven  those  tears  did  surely  send. 
Tears  give  the  burdened  heart  relief; 
Dry  anguish  may  its  tendrils  rend. 

Sin  soon  will  crucify  our  Lord, 
Thy  sin,  and  all  the  world's  beside. 
He  gave  himself,  the  Living  Word, 
Our  shelter  from  God's  wrath  to  hide. 
Had  all  the  seraphs  pens  to  write 
Such  love  upon  the  boundless  sky, 
Angelic  powers  could  not  indite 
Its  greatness  while  the  ages  fly. 

[6] 


The  hour  is  hastening.     God  has  willed 
That  Christ  should  through  his  own  decree 
Abolish  death  and  have  fulfilled 
Our  blood-bought  immortality. 
And  when  the  awful  tomb  he  rent, 
When  freed  from  every  earthly  thrall, 
"Tell  Peter"  was  the  message  sent; 
"Tell  Peter" — 'tis  love's  tender  call. 

Peter  was  martyr  to  his  faith ; 
His  rock,  God's  son  whom  he  denied; 
This  faith  the  key  that  unlocks  death 
To  realms  where  joy  and  peace  abide. 
"Tell  Peter !"     Honey  drops  of  love, 
Awaking  all  the  choirs  of  heaven! 
"Tell  Peter" — angels  from  above 
Shout,  "Hear,  0  earth,  and  be  forgiven !" 


[7] 


THE  SLEET 

REGAL  the  earth  seems  with  diamonds  today, 
Gemming  all  nature  in  blazing  array; 
A  picture  more  fairy-like  never  could  be 
Than  this  wonderful  icicle  filigree. 

A  crystallized  world !  What  a  marvelous  sight, 
Gorgeous  and  grand  in  the  March  sunlight! 
The  frost-king  magician  has  changed  the  spring 

showers 
To  turquois  and  topaz  and  sapphire  bowers. 

And  what  is  the  lesson  we  learn  from  the  sleet, 
As  toiling  life's  road  with  wearying  feet, 
Upward  we  strive,  but  failing  so  oft 
In  the  struggles  that  bear  us  aright  and  aloft? 

'Tis  this — that  the  hard  breath  of  winter's  chill 

blast 

Alone  can  this  mantle  of  loveliness  cast ; 
And  thus  our  sharp  winds  of  trial  may  prove 
Angels  to  weave  us  bright  garments  of  love. 


[8] 


ANSWERED 

YE  realms  of  beauty  from  afar, 
What  speak  ye  to  the  saddened  soul? 
What  is  the  message  of  each  star 
As  ever  ceaselessly  ye  roll? 
Thus  do  ye  answer:     "We  declare 
God's  glory;  and  to  you  'tis  given 
To  cast  on  him  your  every  care, 
For  he  hath  wound  the  clock  of  heaven." 

Ye  hoary  hills  which  have  looked  down 
On  all  the  centuries  of  time, 
Have  felt  their  touch  without  a  frown, 
And  with  indifference  sublime, 
What  would  ye  speak,  if  understood, 
Of  life  with  all  its  woes  and  ills? 
'Tis  this :  to  all  they  work  for  good 
Who  love  the  maker  of  the  hills. 


[9] 


ALONE 

Genesis 


THE  sun  had  set.     He  was  alone  ; 
Mid  twilight  shadows  he  would  rest. 
He  laid  his  head  upon  a  stone 
To  woo  sweet  slumber  for  his  guest. 

Perhaps  within  those  midnight  hours 
His  rugged  bed  was  cold  and  chill, 
But  wrapped  in  Dreamland's  mystic  powers, 
He  knew  no  danger,  felt  no  ill. 

A  vision  in  his  dreams  appeared  ! 
Angels  were  stepping  to  and  fro 
Upon  a  ladder  which,  upreared, 
Aided  their  ministry  below. 

And  then  God  spake  in  words  which  said 
What  future  ages  would  unfold, 
The  soil  on  which  he  made  his  bed 
Was  his,  by  prophecy  foretold. 

He  further  heard  that  holy  voice 
Predict  that  through  his  tribe  would  be 
Blessings  in  which  all  should  rejoice, 
Blessings  which  all  the  world  should  see. 


[10] 


Through  Jacob  would  the  gift  be  given 
Of  Jesus  to  this  sinful  earth; 
God  signified  within  this  vision 
Glad  news  of  our  Redeemer's  birth ; 

The  star  of  Bethlehem  would  shine, 
That  star  of  joy  and  peace  and  love, 
Our  bleeding  sacrifice  divine 
To  cleanse  our  hearts,  our  guilt  remove. 

If  faith  and  praise  in  us  abound 
Toward  Israel's  God,  angels  are  near; 
His  word  declares  they  camp  around 
All  those  who  look  to  him  in  fear. 

When  Jacob  woke,  the  ground  he  trod 
Seemed  holy;  and  he  named  his  stone 
"Bethel,"  which  means  "the  house  of  God." 
With  heaven  so  near,  was  he  alone? 


NO  OTHER 

Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other:  for  there  is 
none  other  name  under  heaven  given  among  men  whereby 
we  must  be  saved. — Acts  4:12. 

SWIFTLY  we  float  upon  time's  tide 
Adown  the  stream  of  years. 
Sometimes  past  hills  of  joy  we  glide, 
Sometimes  through  vales  of  tears. 

Age  follows  youth,  which,  ere  we  know, 
Has  vanished  like  a  dream, 
And  takes  its  glamour  from  the  glow 
Of  mem'ry's   silvery  gleam. 

There  is  no  halt;  and  more  and  more 
There  seems  an  open  sea 
Reaching  us  with  its  ceaseless  roar — 
It  is  eternity. 

There  is  one  Pilot  that  we  need, 
One  who  can  safely  steer, 
One  who  at  heaven's  court  can  plead, 
And  all  our  journey  cheer. 

'Tis  Jesus  Christ;  and  all  who  see 
In  him  the  truth,  the  way, 
Are  in  possession  of  the  key 
To  heaven's  eternal  day. 


[12] 


WEALTH 

He  heapeth  up  riches  and  knoweth  not  who  shall  gather 
them.— Psalm  39:6. 

O  SOUL,  it  is  not  thine, 

But  lent  to  thee  in  trust 

That  thou  may'st  make  God's  glory  shine, 

Secured  from  moth  and  rust. 

Thou  can'st  not  take  one  mite 
Except  as  thou  dost  give 
And  waft  it  in  the  golden  light 
Where  heaven's  glories  live. 

Go  look  for  those  in  need — 

The  hungry  and  the  cold. 

Kind  words  and  actions  are  the  seed 

Which  yield  their  fruits  of  gold. 

Give  to  the  heathen  world 
Knowledge  of  Christ  our  Lord; 
Pray  that  his  banner  be  unfurled; 
Send  forth  his  priceless  word. 

He  lived  for  us  and  died, 
And  intercedes  above. 
His  blood,  a  sacrificial  tide, 
Redeems  us  by  his  love. 


[13] 


"Barbarian,  bond  and  free, 
The  wise  and  the  unwise" — 
'Tis  ours  to  give  and  theirs  to  see 
Salvation's  blood-bought  prize. 

We  know  not  'neath  the  sky 
Who'll  gather  of  our  store, 
But  if  we  lay  it  up  on  high, 
'Tis  ours  forevermore. 


[14] 


THE  CAPTIVES 

Psalm  137. 

CAPTIVES  by  Babel's  limpid  streams, 
We  hung  our  harps  on  willows  there; 
Wept  over  Zion ;  and  our  dreams, 
Waking  or  sleeping,  she  did  share. 

Our  victors,  with  their  battle  arms, 
Derided,  jeered,  and  scorned  our  tears; 
Required  mirth,  diversion's  charms, 
To  thus  allay  their  guilty  fears. 

"Sing  us  a  song"  is  their  demand, 
"Yea,  sing  us  one  of  Zion's  songs !" 
How  can  our  voices  thus  expand 
To  what  to  us  and  God  belongs? 

How  can  we  on  this  heathen  shore, 
Surrounded  by  idolatry, 
Sing  songs  that  unto  us  are  more 
Than  all  their  glittering  pageantry? 

Jerusalem,  should  we  forget, 

We  pray  our  hearts  and  tongues  be  still! 

Jerusalem!     Oh,  may  we  yet 

Worship  upon  thy  holy  hill. 

Babylon,  thou  art  to  be  destroyed! 
Thy  doom's  foretold  in  prophecy; 
And  happy  be  the  means  employed 
To  hurl  thee  to  thy  destiny. 
[15] 


THE  LIVING  WATER 

/  that  speak  unto  thee  am  he. — John  4:26. 

SHE  left  her  home  that  morn 

In  fair  Samaria's  land, 

All  heedless  of  her  state  forlorn, 

Sin-bound,  both  heart  and  hand. 

With  prejudicial  pride 

She  scorned  the  meek  request 

Of  One  who  sat  the  well  beside, 

With  heat  and  thirst  opprest. 

"Thou  art  a  Jew,"  she  said, 

"And  asketh  drink  of  me? 

Samaria's  daughter  was  not  bred 

To  deal  with  such  as  thee." 

She  would  not  yield  a  sip 

E'en  if  its  maker  sued, 

While  he  from  love,  with  thirsting  lip, 

Sought  and  her  heart  renewed. 

He  made  her  ask  for  life, 

Eternal  life  through  him, 

And  "living  water"  was  the  type 

To  her  perception  dim. 

O  yes !     She  fain  would  taste 

And  never  thirst  again, 

And  never  cross  the  burning  waste 

In  weariness  and  pain! 

Her  life  he  questioned  now; 

Revealed  her  history. 

[16] 


She  must  have  blushed.     How  could  he  know? 

Here  was  a  mystery ! 

Abashed  she  now  replied, 

"Thou  art  a  prophet,  sir!" 

And  straightway  sought  with  clannish  pride 

Instruction's  voice  to  hear; 

Instruction  that  will  bless 

The  world  each  passing  day, 

For  every  spot  man's  feet  may  press, 

There  may  he  praise  and  pray. 

The  woman  lent  her  ear, 

Then  urged  Messiah's  plea. 

Amazing  words  she  now  doth  hear, 

"I  that  speak  unto  thee  am  he." 

What  joy!     The  angels  too 

Must  share  it  from  above. 

She  left  her  water-pot,  and  flew 

On  feet  made  swift  by  love. 

Oh,  will  these  tidings  last? 

This  news,  it  must  be  spread! 

"He  knows  my  present,  knows  my  past; 

This  is  the  Christ,"  she  said. 

That  woman  lost  in  sin 

Drank  of  the  living  spring, 

Then  swiftly  sped  dead  souls  to  win, 

And  to  that  fountain  bring. 

Forbid  that  we  should  shrink 
To  publish  grace  so  free, 

[17] 


i  For  all  who  will  that  tide  may  drink 
':  And  live  eternally. 

They  begged  that  he  would  stay, 
Believed  the  truths  unfurled, 
And  joyfully  received  that  day 
The  Saviour  of  the  world. 


[18] 


JESUS  INTERCEDES 

Seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them. 
— Hebrews  7:25. 

WHEN  winding  up  the  path  of  life, 

Sometimes  mid  thorns,  sometimes  mid  flowers, 

Oft  weary  of  its  toil  and  strife, 

Oft  weary  of  its  wintry  hours, 

There  is  one  thought  than  all  more  sweet 

From  care  my  longing  heart  to  free ; 

'Tis  this — oh,  wondrous  to  repeat — 

That  Jesus  intercedes  for  me. 

And  always  when  the  path  is  steep, 
I  cling  unto  this  wayside  rope: 
Nothing  can  give  so  great  relief, 
Nothing  can  give  a  brighter  hope. 
'Tis  like  a  stately  spreading  palm, 
Which  forms  my  spirit's  canopy, 
'Neath  which  I  breathe  the  soothing  balm 
That  Jesus  intercedes  for  me. 

And  when  I  reach  the  sea  of  death, 

To  sail  its  silent  waters  o'er, 

This  thought  shall  calm  my  latest  breath 

And  waft  me  to  the  golden  shore. 

Not  only  that  my  Savior  died, 

The  atoning  lamb  on  Calvary, 

But — was  there  ever  love  so  wide? — 

Still  lives  and  intercedes  for  me. 

[19] 


EVE'S  FLOWERS 

EVE  must  have  wept  to  leave  her  flowers, 
And  plucked  some  roots  to  tell 
Of  Eden's  happy,  sinless  bowers, 
Where  she  in  bliss  did  dwell. 

Roses  and  lilies,  pansies  gay, 

Violets  with  azure  eyes, 

Her  favorites  must  have  been,  for  they 

Seem  born  in  paradise. 

And  when  they  drooped,  did  she  not  sigh 
And  kiss  their  petals  fair, 
Thinking,  "Alas,  ye  too  must  die 
And  in  our  sorrow  share"? 

And  then  perhaps  unto  her  soul 
This  answer  sweet  was  given, 
"Like  you  we  fade  and  perish  here ; 
For  you  we'll  bloom  in  heaven." 

Roses  and  lilies  are  the  type 
Of  him  who  from  above, 
The  lamb  of  God,  gave  up  his  life, 
A  sacrifice  of  love. 

He  was  her  hope  in  those  sad  hours 
Of  blight  and  sure  decay ; 
The  sin  that  drove  her  from  her  flowers 
His  blood  could  wash  away. 

[20] 


COME  UNTO  ME 

"COME  unto  me!"     Ah,  gentlest  word 
E'er  breathed  in  human  ear! 
"I  am  thy  Savior  and  thy  Lord ; 
Dear  child,  thou  need'st  not  fear. 

"Come  unto  me  in  sorrow's  hour 
When  life  seems  dark  and  drear; 
I'll  shield  thee  from  the  tempter's  power; 
Dear  child,  thou  need'st  not  fear. 

"Come  unto  me  when  hopes  have  flown 
Like  leaves  wind-swept  and  sere, 
When  every  joy  thou  may'st  bemoan; 
Dear  child,  thou  need'st  not  fear. 

"Come  unto  me.     I'll  give  thee  rest, 
Will  wipe  away  each  tear; 
Come  lean  thy  head  upon  my  breast ; 
Dear  child,  thou  need'st  not  fear." 


[21] 


NOVEMBER 

But  let  all  those  that  put  their  trust  in  thee  rejoice. 
—Psalm  5:11. 

NOVEMBER  is  so  drear  and  chill 
Whilst  making  leafless  branch  and  tree, 
Whilst  sweeping  over  vale  and  hill 
With  all  her  doleful  minstrelsy. 
November  wails  the  summer's  death 
In  such  a  melancholy  voice, 
She  has  a  withering,  blighting  breath; 
She  does  not  bid  the  heart  rejoice. 

Yet  why  repine,  thou  stricken  one? 
Grief  is  the  common  fate  of  all. 
This  the  refrain  beneath  the  sun: 
Mortals  must  die,  and  leaves  must  fall. 
They'll  live  again,  the  leaves  and  flowers, 
When  spring  returns  to  bless  the  earth; 
They'll  waken  'neath  her  sunny  hours 
Through  nature's  touch  to  beauteous  birth. 

Hope  in  decay  and  do  not  moan 

That  God  has  taken  one  we  love ; 

Why  should  our  hearts  be  turned  to  stone 

When  he  is  safe  in  heaven  above? 

Redeemed  through  Christ,  who  was  his  trust, 

With  him  in  realms  of  joy  on  high; 

For  though  down  here  "  'tis  dust  to  dust," 

The  Christian  lives  beyond  the  sky. 

[22] 


Then  in  the  autumn's  woe  rejoice,- 
Rejoice  in  calm,  rejoice  in  storm; 
In  either  hear  God's  tender  voice, 
For  both  his  holy  will  perform. 


[23] 


THE  TRAVELERS 

AWAY  from  the  city,  away  from  the  crowd, 
Two  comrades  in  sorrow  traversed  hill  and  dale ; 
The  gloom  of  their  hearts  did  their  faces  en- 
shroud, 
And  clouds  of  distress  only  seemed  to  prevail. 

Alone,  as  they  thought;  but  a  stranger  un- 
known 

Inquired  thus  kindly  the  cause  of  their  woe: 

"Of  what  are  ye  talking?  Why  are  ye  cast 
down, 

So  burdened  with  care,  as  thus  onward  ye  go?" 

Cleopas  thus   answered,  "A  stranger  art  thou 

In  Jerusalem,  not  knowing  the  things  happen- 
ing there?" 

"What  things?"  asked  the  stranger,  desiring 
now 

Their  lips  should  disclose  what  had  caused 
their  despair. 

"Of  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  one  mighty  in  deed, 
A  wonderful  prophet;  him  have  they  slain. 
To  Israel's  redemption  we  hoped  he  would  lead, 
But  why  should  we  hope  if  hope  is  in  vain? 

"Some  women  who  went  to  the  sepulcher  say 
That  angels  assured  them  he's  living  this  hour, 
But  they  did  not  see  him,  and  try  as  we  may, 
It  seems  a  false  rumor  of  glory  and  power," 

[24] 


The  stranger  rebuked  them  ere  he  would  teach 

What  the  prophets  portray  of  Christ's  suffer- 
ings here. 

Their  souls  were  enlivened,  but  soon  they  would 
reach 

The  village  they  sought,  which  too  quickly 
drew  near. 

The  stranger  seemed  passing,  but  now  they  en- 
treat, 

"Abide  with  us  here ;  the  day  is  far  spent" ; 
They    could    not    forego    yet    such    fellowship 

sweet, 
And  he  entered  in  with  them  whither  they  went. 

When  supper  was  ready,  they  sat  up  to  par- 
take— 

They  and  the  stranger,  in  whom  they  delight. 

He  blessed,  as  his  custom,  the  bread  ere  he 
brake ; 

They  knew  it  was  Jesus !  And  he  vanished 
from  sight. 

"Did  not  our  hearts  burn  within  us,"  now  they 

exclaimed, 
"As  he  taught   of  himself  what  the  prophets 

record? 
We've  seen  him,  we've  heard  him,  and  he  is  the 

same: 
He  is  Israel's  Messiah,  our  Savior  and  Lord!" 

[25] 


We  are  travelers  here  on  the  highway  of  time, 
But  he  will  go  with  us  if  we  seek  him  aright. 
His    strength   will   support   us   as   upward  we 

climb ; 
Through    his    blood    we    inherit    immortality's 

light. 


[26] 


DAYBREAK 

Until  the  day  break,  and  the  shadows  flee  away. — Song 
of  Solomon  4:6. 

GLEAMING  softly,  silvery-faint, 
Heralded  by  chanticleer, 
Merging  from  night's  shadowy  taint, 
New  day  of  the  passing  year! 

Born  to  bless  or  born  to  blight, 
Born  for  you  and  born  for  me, 
Leaving,  ere  it  take  its  flight, 
Impress  on  eternity! 

'Tis  a  gift  from  God's  own  hand. 
On  its  pure  unsullied  page 
Let  us  write  at  his  command 
What  will  bless  our  pilgrimage. 

True  repentance  giveth  joy 
To  the  angels  in  the  sky. 
What  could  be  more  blest  employ 
Than  to  cheer  the  choirs  on  high? 

Deeds  of  patience,  deeds  of  love, 
Banishing  all  hate  and  guile — 
These  will  steer  toward  heaven  above, 
These  will  make  the  angels  smile. 


[27] 


May  this  child  of  time  unite 
Earth  and  heaven  in  blest  accord, 
Heathen  nations  see  the  light 
From  the  cross  of  Christ  our  Lord, 

Coming  is  the  glad  daybreak, 
The  prophetic  jubilee; 
Sin  will  then  all  hearts  forsake, 
Then  will  all  the  shadows  flee. 


[28] 


GONE 

UPON  time's  surging,  billowy  sea 
A  ship  now  slowly  disappears, 
With  freight  no  human  eye  can  see, 
But  weighing  just  one  hundred  years. 

Their  sighs,  their  tears,  their  weary  moans, 
Their  joy  and  pleasure,  pomp  and  pride, 
Their  angry  and  their  gentle  tones, 
Beneath  its  waves  forever  hide. 

Yes,  sunk  within  oblivion's  waves, 
They'll  partly  live  in  memory ; 
To  youth,  who  will  their  secrets  crave, 
Mostly  exist  in  history. 

Ah,  what  a  truth  steps  in  this  strain — 
They  are  not  lost  within  time's  sea; 
Their  words  and  actions  live  again, 
And  blight  or  light  eternity ! 

A  new  ship  comes  within  our  view, 
Laden  with  dreams  both  sad  and  blest ; 
To  youth  they're  tinged  with  roseate  hue ; 
To  weary  ones  bring  longed-for  rest. 

And  still  the  stream  of  life  flows  on, 
Laughing  beneath  the  century  new. 
God's  promise  gilds  the  horizon ; 
Mercy  shall  reign ;  his  word  is  true. 
[29] 


AWAKE! 

All  my  ways  are  before  thee. — Psalm  119:168. 

AWAKE,  O  soul,  awake! 
Enter  thy  cell  of  thought, 
And  there  in  calmness  meditate 
On  what  God's  word  has  taught. 

There's  nought  within  thy  scope, 
No  influence  thou  hast  sown, 
No  gloomy  doubt,  no  joyful  hope, 
But  unto  him  are  known. 

Awake!  but  grovel  not 

In  ashes  of  despair, 

Christ's  precious  blood  can  cleanse  each  spot; 

Cast  on  him  every  care. 

Before  him  are  thy  ways, 

But  in  his  mercy  free 

He  further  yet  his  love  displays, 

And  intercedes  for  thee. 

Awake  to  holy  fear 
And  praise  thy  God  on  high; 
Be  it  thy  joy  to  praise  him  here 
And  praise  him  in  the  sky. 


Be  it  thy  joy  to  praise  nn 
And  praise  him  in  the  sky. 


[30] 


"ABIDE  WITH  US" 

"ABIDE  with  us!"     Where  could  we  go? 
Thou  art  our  strength,  thou  art  our  tower, 
Our  refuge  from  the  ills  below, 
In  darkness  light,  in  weakness  power. 

"Abide  with  us!"     We  would  prevail, 
And  plead  that  thou  be  ever  near 
To  banish  doubts  when  they  assail, 
And  give  deliverance  from  fear. 

"Abide  with  us"  in  words  of  love, 
For  thou  dost  say,  "Come  unto  me." 
Oh,  guide  us  to  thy  home  above 
To  dwell  in  joy  and  peace  with  thee! 


[31] 


O  BETHLEHEM! 

"For  he  is  our  peace." 

O  BETHLEHEM,  where  Christ  was  born 
And  angels  watched  him  where  he  lay, 
When  cradled  on  that  holy  morn 
That  ushered  in  earth's  promised  day ! 

O  Bethlehem,  it  was  thy  star 
Which  guided  o'er  the  deserts  wild 
Those  who  had  journeyed  from  afar 
To  gaze  upon  the  sinless  child! 

O  Bethlehem,  'twas  thine  to  see 

God's  choir  announce  the  Saviour's  birth, 

And  hear  those  waves  of  melody 

Chant  peace  and  good  will  to  the  earth! 

O  Bethlehem,  'twas  thine  to  weep 
With  Rachel  o'er  the  crimson  woe 
When  cruel  hands  did  vainly  seek 
To  quench  heaven's  radiance  below ! 

O  Bethlehem,  we  hear  thy  call 
To  joy  and  bliss,  and  would  not  cease 
To  praise  him  who  has  died  for  all 
Who  will  accept  his  blood-bought  peace ! 


[32] 


RING  THE  BELLS 

RING  out  the  bells  of  heaven! 
Obey  the  great  command, 
That  all  may  hear  their  melody 
On  mountain,  sea,  and  land, 
The  chimes  of  glory  sounding, 
Ascending  to  the  sky ; 
Jesus  our  Savior  reigneth 
Forever  more  on  high. 

Ring  how  he  bore  our  trials 
And  sorrows  here  below ; 
Of  his  lamb-like,  sinless  nature, 
Purer  than  falling  snow ; 
How  he  gave  his  life  to  banish 
The  clouds  of  midnight  gloom 
That  brooded  o'er  creation 
And  o'er  the  dreary  tomb. 

Ring  of  the  well  of  Sichar 

And  the  everlasting  tide, 

With  which  its  sparkling  waters 

His  imagery  supplied. 

Ring  of  his  mighty  power 

To  comfort  and  to  heal, 

His  gentleness  and  sympathy 

In  either  woe  or  weal. 


[33] 


Ring  of  his  blood  that  speaketh 
Than  Abel's,  better  things, 
And  to  the  guilty  conscience 
Sweet  peace  and  pardon  brings. 
Ring  how  he  burst  death's  fetters 
In  rising  from  the  grave, 
And  from  its  lasting  bondage 
Will  all  his  people  save. 

Ring  how  he  intercedeth 

And  ever  lives  above 

For  all  who  trust  and  serve  him, 

Rejoicing  in  his  love; 

Of  the  many  mansions  he's  prepared 

Of  everlasting  rest, 

Whose  joys  no  tongue  can  utter 

Nor  tell  how  glad  and  blest. 

Awake,  then,  to  your  duty, 

O  church  of  Christ,  awake! 

Behold  the  beauty  of  their  feet 

Who  the   glad  tidings  take! 

Reach  out  and  ring  the  bells  of  heaven ; 

Blest  be  the  hands  that  give 

The  truth,  that  all  who  listen 

May  hope  and  joy  and  live! 

Ah,  'tis  a  wondrous  story! 
Good  news  to  all  the  world! 
The  gospel  means  glad  tidings 
Wherever  'tis  unfurled. 

[34] 


Great  God,  impart  thy  Spirit 
That  all  who  love  their  Lord 
May  see  in  life  a  flitting  hour 
To  obey  and  speak  his  word. 


[35] 


THE  DESERT  SPRING 

"On,  no,  my  lord,  she  cannot  stay ; 
Cast  out  this  bond  maid  with  her  mocking  child, 
For  they  cannot  be  heirs  with  thine  and  mine." 
Abraham  was  sad,  for  he  had  prayed,  "O  God, 
That  Ishmael  may  dwell  within  thy  sight !" 
And  now  the  message  came  to  him,  "Fear  not! 
In  all  that  Sarah  says  list  to  her  voice. 
In  Isaac  shall  thy  seed  be  called.     Also 
I'll  make  of  Hagar's  son  a  nation  great, 
Because  he  sprang  from  thee." 

Then  Abraham  rose 

At  early  dawn,  and  lading  Egypt's  child 
With  water  and  with  bread,  sent  her  grief-worn 
With  Ishmael  to  wander  lone  within 
Beersheba's  wilderness.     While  yet  the  air 
Was  cool,  and  nature  locked  in  the  embrace 
Of  morn,  likely  the  child  was  blithe  and  gay, 
Unheeding  the  sad  face  and  drooping  form 
Of  her  who  doubtless  turned  from  childhood's 

tents 
In  tears  of  woe. 

Thrilled  with  his  Arab  blood 
He  raced  along;  and  thus  to  fancy's  ear 
He  prattled  on:     "O  mother,  do  not  weep! 
The  Princess   Sarah  cannot  chide  us  now. 
We're  free !     I  love  the  wilderness !     I  love 
The  earth  and  sky!     Look  at  those  birds, 

[36] 


Far  as  the  fleecy  clouds!     And  here 
Are  flowers  with  which  to  wreathe  my  bow. 
With  it  I'll  bring  thee  deer  and  fowl  to  dress, 
When  by  and  by  we  reach  a  babbling  stream 
Where  we  may  safely  dwell." 

On,  still  on, 

Through  arid  plains,  with  blistering  feet, 
Beneath  a  burning  sky,  they  toil  along. 
The  lad  no  longer  talks  of  birds  and  flowers, 
But  begs  for  water — water  just  to  cool 
His  parching  throat ;  and  likely  'twas  that  when 
Noon's  shadows  mirrored  the  encircling  hills, 
He  saw  the  empty  flask,  and  must  at  last 
Have  fainted  on  the  scorching  sand. 

We  read 

That  Hagar  cast  him  'neath  a  shrub,  and  then, 
Withdrawing   quite   a   space,   she  prayed,   "  O 

God, 

Let  me  not  see  his  death  1"  and  so  sank  down 
Upon  the  ground  to  watch  him  where  he  lay, 
And  wept  such  tears  as  touched  the  world  on 

high 

With  sympathy  divine.     God  heard  the  lad, 
And  from  his  radiant  home  an  angel  spake: 
"What  aileth  thee,  O  Hagar?     Rise  and  take 
The  lad,  and  stand  him  on  his  feet.     I'll  make 
Of  him  a  nation  great."    Her  eyes  were  opened ; 

[37] 


And   she   saw  a  well,  from  which  with  joyful 

haste 

She  filled  her  flask  and  gave  the  weakling  lad 
A  draught  which  gave  him  back  to  health 
And   life   again. 

Water! — a  type  of  Christ, 
God's  son,  that  whosoever  will  may  drink 
That  everflowing  stream  of  love  and  live 
Eternally!     The   angel's   prophecy  foretold 
Those  countless  hordes,  those  tented  caravans, 
Whose  graceful  steeds  have  plied  through  cen- 
turies past 
Those   barren,   trackless   wastes;   some   of  the 

men 

Who,  Egypt-bound  with  spicery  and  balm, 
Halted  beside  the  lonely  pit,  and  bartered  there 
For  that   young  lad  whose   coat  dyed  in  the 

blood 

Of  kids,  made  Jacob  with  wild  agony  exclaim, 
"This  is  my  Joseph's  coat !  He  has,  no  doubt, 
Been  rent  in  twain  by  beasts ! " 

The  wanderers  soon 

Lay  down  to  rest,  'neath  starry  skies  to  wait 
Another  dawn,  and  on  the  mother's  face 
There  must  have  been  a  light  of  joy  divine; 
For  had  she  not  held  intercourse  with  Heaven? 
Were  not  its  guardian  bands  around  them  then 
In  desert  weird  and  wild? 
[38] 


Ye  weary  souls, 

Tired  travelers  on  the  sands  of  time, 
Trust  God  and  look  to  him  for  strength! 
The  angel  of  his  word  speaks  faith  and  peace, 
And  presses  to  the  thirsting  lip  the  cup 
Of  immortality! 


[39] 


MUSINGS 

"Childhood  and  youth  are  vanity." 

OFTEN  o'er  life's  pathway  straying 
Come  sweet  strains  of  long  ago, 
To  the  chords  of  memory  playing 
Music  sweet  and  music  low. 

When  upon  the  gray  rock  musing 
'Neath  the  tree  by  childhood's  home, 
In  the  wild  bird's  note  so  soothing 
Tenderly  these  strains  will  come. 

Gazing  on  the  deep  fringed  mountain3 
Distance  robing  it  in  blue, 
Quaffing  the  familiar  fountain, 
Each  repeats  the  story  too. 

Wandering  by  the  streamlet  flowing 
Where  we  played  in  hours  of  glee, 
Hear  its  murmurs  coming,  going, 
Tell  of  joys  that  used  to  be. 

Wandering  in  the  leafy  wildwood 
Sometimes  in  our  leisure  hours, 
In  the  sunny  days  of  childhood 
How  much  fairer  seemed  its  flowers ! 


[40] 


Watching  from  the  hill  the  sunset, 
'Neath  the  spreading  chestnut  tree, 
Youthful  dreams  and  visions  come  yet 
Through  the  years  so  magically. 

Yet  how  vain  these  memories  olden 
If  they  do  not  teach  the  truth 
That  within  the  city  golden 
Only,   dwells   perpetual  youth. 


[41] 


BARTIM^US 

"WHAT  means  this  throng?"  a  blind  man  said, 

Whilst  begging  by  the  highway  side ; 

Begging  and  blind,  and  lacking  bread, 

His  ears  discern  the  living  tide. 

"Jesus  of  Nazareth  passeth  by," 

Was  answered.     Had  he  heard  aright? 

Oh,  was  the  heavenly  healer  nigh, 

He  who  could  give  the  blind  their  sight? 

"Jesus,  have  mercy !"  lo,  he  cried, 

"Oh,  son  of  David,  pity  me!" 

And  when  the  jeering  crowd  deride, 

His  accents  form  a  clearer  plea. 

Jesus  stood  still.     A  kindly  voice 

Bade  him  good  cheer — "He  calleth  thee." 

Thus  must  his  lonely  heart  rejoice, 

"He  thinks  of  me;  yes,  even  me!" 

Bartimaeus  found  the  Living  Light 

Who  asked  and  granted  his  request. 

His  blinded  eyes  received  their  sight; 

With  joy  he  followed  with  the  rest. 

How  oft  when  Jesus  passes  by, 

The  heart-blind  hear  but  don't  perceive, 

Else  how  they  would  for  mercy  cry 

Ere   Christ  their  Lord  should  take  his  leave! 

Like  him  of  whom  this  story's  told 

They'd  pray,  "Lord  Jesus,  pity  me!" 

And  find  his  power  and  love  could  fold 

Them  here  and  in  eternity. 

[42] 


ZACCH^SUS 

Jesus    entered    and    passed    through    Jericho. — Luke 
19:1-10. 

CITY  of  palms !  whose  ancient  name 

Suggests  a  line  of  scarlet  hue, 
Type  of  thy  glorious  Guest  who  came 

And  passed  with  crowds  thy  borders  through, 
Did  aught  foretell  that  on  that  day, 

The  Lord  of  life  would  favor  thee, 
And  centuries  ring  the  novel  way 

A  soul  was  made  both  glad  and  free? 

Zacchaeus  knew  that  through  thy  gates 

Came  One  he  oft  had  longed  to  see; 
Alas!  how  adverse  were  the  fates — 

So  dense  the  throng,  so  small  was  he! 
Considering,  he  ran  before 

And  climbed  into  a  wayside  tree, 
And  ever  since  the  sycamore 

Is  blended  with  his  history. 

! 

While  peering  eagerly  below, 

Above  the  tumult  of  the  town 
That  soothing  voice  to  mortal  woe 

Bade  him  to  hasten  quickly  down. 
"Come,"  Jesus  said,  "I  must  abide 

And  tarry  at  thy  house  with  thee." 
Zacchaeus  the  honor  swift  applied, 

And  entertained  him  joyfully. 

[43] 


The  people  frowned  that  Christ  should  dine 

With  a  rich  sinner  publican, 
Nor  knew  his  act  of  grace  would  shine, 

A  star  of  hope,  to  fallen  man. 
Zacchaeus  assured  his  royal  guest, 

"Lord,  half  my  goods  I  give  the  poor ; 
And  if  I  falsely  have  opprest, 

Fourfold  I  unto  men  restore." 

His  listener  reads  the  human  heart 

And  all  its   thoughts  unerringly; 
Alone  such  wisdom  can  impart 

And  judge  of  its  sincerity. 
Jesus  received  this  sin-sick  soul, 

Salvation  to  his  house  was  given; 
And  while  time's  cycles  onward  roll, 

His    faith    and    works    will    point    toward 
heaven. 

"I  came,"  the  Lord  of  glory  said 

(Nor  did  he  count  the  pain  and  cost), 

"To  feed  the  hungry  soul  with  bread, 
To  seek  and  save  that  which  was  lost." 


[44] 


APRIL 

WHEN  April  weeps,  she  wakes  the  flowers 

That   slept   the  winter  through. 

Oh,  did  they  dream  those  frosty  hours 

That  she  would  be  untrue 

And  not  awaken  them  in  time 

To  smile  their  smiles  of  love, 

To  hear  the  robin's  merry  chime, 

And  gentle  cooing  dove? 

And  when  they  feel  their  mother's  tears 

So  gently  o'er  them  weep, 

Will  they  tell  her  of  their  simple  fears 

And  visions  while  asleep? 

And  will  they  tell  her  that  they  dreamed, 

Beneath  their  sheets  of  snow, 

Such  weary  dreamings  that  it  seemed 

The  winter  ne'er  would  go? 

They'll  soon  be  wide-awake  and  up, 

In  dainty  robes  arrayed, 

Blue  violet,  gold  buttercup, 

And  quaker-lady  staid. 

Wild  eglantine  and  clustering  thorn 

Will  grace  the  byway  lanes, 

Whilst  woodland  flowers  the  dells  adorn 

And  daisies  cheer  the  plains. 


[45] 


The  rippling  streamlet  soon  will  be 

A  crystal  mirror  bright 

For  waving  branch  and  mint  and  tree 

That  nod  in  golden  light 

Of  summer  sunbeams  glad'ning  rays 

Filling  the  heart  with  love, 

While  nature  and  earth,  uniting,  praise 

The  God  who  reigns  above. 

In  lowly  spots  will  lilies  spring 

And  scent  the  summer  breeze, 

And  on  the  earth  there'll  be  no  king 

Arrayed  like  one  of  these. 

So  weeping  April's  tears  will  bring 

Her  children  from  the  tomb, 

Will  dress  the  earth  in  robes  of  spring, 

Brightened  by   fragrant  bloom. 


[46] 


BETHLEHEM 

Now  when  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethlehem  of  Judea. 
-Matthew  2:1. 

BETHLEHEM,  where  Christ  was  born, 

Bethlehem,  the  Christian's  star! 

Bethlehem's  prophetic  morn 

Echoed  ages  from  afar. 

Where  the  shepherds  heard  the  song 

Heralding  the  holy  birth, 

Tidings  that  would  right  the  wrong, 

News  of  joy  from  heaven  to  earth. 

This  the  song  the  angels  sang: 
"Peace  on  earth,  good  will  to  men." 
Glory  in  the  highest  rang, 
Glory  now  and  glory  then. 
Christ,  the  king  of  earth  and  heaven, 
Gave  himself  to  cleanse  our  sin; 
Through  his  blood  we  are  forgiven 
And  eternal  life  may  win. 

Come  to  him  with  every  woe; 
He  has  said,  "Come  unto  me." 
Better  refuge  none  can  know 
Whither  to  safely,  gladly  flee. 
Well  may  hallelujahs  ring 
O'er  God's  gift  from  heaven  above; 
Yet,  although  the  angels  sing, 
Angels  cannot  tell  his  love. 

[47] 


NATURE'S  LESSON 

WE  traveled  by  a  mountain's  edge, 
It  was  September  calm  and  bright, 
Nature  had  decked  its  rocky  ledge 
With  flowers  of  varied  hue  and  height. 
It  seemed  a  miracle  that  they 
Should  flourish  in  that  meager  soil, 
As  noble  spirits  oftenest  may 
Gleam  forth  through  poverty  and  toil. 

Below  were  rippling,  sparkling  streams 
Through  meadows   kissed  by  shadowy  hills, 
Reflecting  autumn's  peaceful  dreams 
Within  those  swift,  translucent  rills. 
This  lesson  should  these  scenes  impart 
As  on  the  road  of  life  we  go, 
To  do  our  duty  and  take  heart, 
As  flowers  bloom  and  streamlets  flow. 

Perhaps  in  ages  yet  to  be 
May  flowers  wave  here  e'en  as  today, 
These  streams  still  rush  in  merry  glee 
To  cheer  and  charm  who  here  may  stray ; 
But  we  upon  Time's  rapid  tide 
Like  morning  mists  will  disappear; 
But  if  by  faith  to  Christ  allied, 
Heaven's  glory  is  both  sure  and  clear. 


[48] 


We  look  from  Nature  to  her  God ; 

We  feel  his  presence  from  above; 

We  know  that  when  the  earth  he  trod, 

He  preached  through  her  his  wondrous  love. 

What  is  there  in  our  flitting  years 

With  this  pure  treasure  can  compare? 

His  love  can  wipe  away  our  tears, 

His  love  can  lighten  every  care. 


[49] 


THE  MIGRATORY  SWANS 

A  NECKLACE  in  the  depth  of  blue 
Of   scintillating,   silvery   pearls, 
Which  peering-  eagerly  we  view 
As  gracefully  it  curves  and  whirls, 
Safely  and  swiftly,  far  away 
They  seek  the  groves  of  date  and  lime; 
Naught  can  arrest  and  naught  dismay 
From  heights  so  lofty  and  sublime. 

In   dreams   alone   their  wintry  home 
Can  haunt  them  with  its  ice  and  snow ; 
Mingled  with  visions  as  they  come 
Of  shimmering  waves  where  lilies  grow 
And  open  lakes  are  fresh  and  clear, 
Fit  mirror  for  a  plumaged  breast, 
Shaded  by  moss-grown  trees.     'Tis  here 
They'll  dip  and  dive  in  gleeful  rest. 

Vanished!   and   vainly   do  we   try 
To  trace  upon  the  distant  air 
That  scroll  which  written  on  the  sky 
Told  of  the  hand  which  led  them  there. 
Could  we  upon  our  heavenward  way 
From  tempting  snares  as  far  remove 
And  be  as  disenthralled  as  they, 
We'd  plainer  show  a  guiding  love. 


[50] 


We  skim  too  closely  to  the  earth, 
We  press  too  slowly  for  the  prize, 
Let  thoughts  and  cares  of  trivial  worth 
Retard  our  journey  to  the  skies. 
Oh,  let  us  watch  and  pray  to  have 
A  loftier  flight  from  transient  things, 
Inspired  like  swans  at  last  to  lave 
In  streams  of  bliss  our  wearied  wings ! 


[51] 


MINISTERING  WOMEN 

And  Joanna,  the  wife  of  Chuza,  Herod's  steward,  and 
Susanna  and  many  others  who  ministered  unto  him  of 
their  substance. — Luke  8:3.  Mark  14:3-9.  John  12:3-8. 
Matthew  26:6-13.  Luke  7:37-50.  John  11:3. 

THOSE  women  who  their  Christ  and  Lord 
Aided  by  gentle  ministry, 
Have  gained  their  race  a  rich  reward, 
Treasured  in  sacred  history. 

Joanna  is  unknown  at  court, 
Although  entitled  to  be  there; 
The  record  of  her  life's  report 
In  fadeless  glory  has  its  share. 

Susanna's  name  is  intertwined, 
A  gem  as  sparkling  and  as  clear 
As  those  with  which  it  is  enshrined; 
And  this  is  all  we  know  of  her. 

And  those  whose  names  have  not  been  given 
Are  now  in  realms  of  light  and  love, 
Praising  him  mid  the  choirs  of  heaven, 
Crowned  with  his  joy  and  peace  and  love. 

Mary  of  Magdala  was  brought 
From  mysteries  strange  and  dark  and  drear 
To  heights  with  joy  and  gladness  fraught; 
She  radiates  a  luster  clear. 

[52] 


Those  chimes  from  Bethany  will  ring 
With  power  that  will  not,  cannot  die; 
Martha's  and  Mary's  names  will  sing 
Long  as  the  flitting  centuries  fly. 

That  spikenard,  which  'twas  wholly  meet 
Mary  should  pour  upon  his  head, 
Has  filled  with  fragrance  rare  and  sweet 
Succeeding  ages  as  they've  fled. 

And  when  a  critic  standing  near 
Censured  her  act,  misunderstood, 
Christ  spoke  so  that  the  world  might  hear ; 
He  said,  "She  hath  done  what  she  could." 

This  her  memorial  while  the  sun 
Traverses  the  blue  dome  of  heaven, 
Fulfilling  while  time's  cycles  run 
Christ's  prophecy  which  then  was  given. 

Unto  the  end  these  faithful  few, 
Regardless  of  all  pain  and  loss, 
Did  what  their  hearts  and  hands  could  do, 
Though  bowed  with  wonder  at  the  cross. 

Such  love  they  could  not  understand, 
Such  love  unto  his  latest  breath ; 
That  love  had  our  redemption  planned 
Both  in  his  life  and  in  his  death. 

[53] 


They  haunt  the  tomb  in  which  he  lay, 
Grief-stricken,  desolate,  and  lone; 
But  Magdalene  at  break  of  day 
Found  that  her  precious  charge  was  gone. 

Two  angels  said,  "Why  weepest  thou?" 
The  angels  knew  ere  they  inquired. 
They  knew  her  heart  could  triumph  now, 
These  sinless  ones  by  love  inspired. 

She,  weeping,  told  her  loss  and  woe, 
Then  answered  thus  a  questioner  near: 
"Sir,  if  thou  dost  his  refuge  know, 
Tell  me.     I  seek  him  vainly  here." 

"Mary!"     She  listened  to  her  name 
Uttered  by  Christ,  her  risen  Lord. 
"Master?"   her  trembling  lips   exclaim, 
Then  wondered,  worshipped,  and  adored. 

Her  j  oy  is  ours !  Oh,  may  we  see 
That  joy  more  plainly  every  day! 
Christ  lives  and  loves  eternally, — 
Swift  feet  such  tidings  should  convey. 

Eternal  life  and  heavenly  rest 
He  purchased  by  death's  agony, 
That  whosoever  will  be  blest 
With  glorious  immortality. 

[54] 


May  we  our  sisters  of  the  past 
In  life  and  character  revere, 
Like  them  be  faithful  to  the  last, 
Like  them  be  loving  and  sincere. 

First  must  the  gospel  plan  of  love 
To  every  land  and  tribe  be  given, 
Ere  He'll  return  who  from  above 
Is  God's  best  gift  to  earth  from  heaven. 


[55] 


THAT  JEWISH  LAD 

There  is  a  lad  here  which  hath  five  barley  loaves,  and 
two  small  fishes. — John  6:9. 

HE  must  have  been  a  thoughtful  youth, 
His  name  the  record  has  not  given, 
But  if  his  heart  imbibed  the  truth, 
'Tis  written  in  the  books  of  heaven. 
A  cipher  in  the  multitude, 
He  followed  with  his  meager  store, 
And  far  from  his  perception  crude 
The  miracle  that  made  it  more. 

With  loaves  and  fishes  few,  this  lad 
By  power  and  aid  of  one  divine 
Has  made  the  hungry  thousands  glad 
And  God's  providing  power  to  shine. 
When  at  the  midweek  hour  of  prayer 
Ye  faithful  mourn  your  number  few, 
Pray  He  who  fed  that  throng  be  there 
Your  faith  and  vigor  to  renew. 

He  will  your  meek  petitions  hear 
Which,  like  those  loaves  and  fishes  small, 
Will  cause  his  glory  to  appear 
In  showers  of  blessing  that  will  fall. 
The  centuries  are  sweeping  by, 
Bearing  their  millions  gay  and  sad, 
And  wafting  those  to  realms  on  high 
Who   follow  with  that  Jewish  lad. 

[56] 


IN  SINCERITY 

Grace  be  with  them  that  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Chritt 
in  sincerity. — Ephesians  6:24. 

THOU  saddened  one  whose  longing  eyes 

Seek  quickening  thoughts  to  glean, 
Whose  views  of  Christ,  the  Heavenly  prize, 

Clouds  often  veer  between, 
That  rapture  which  may  be  expressed 

By  others  constantly 
Is  not  thine  own ;  in  truth  confessed, 

Where  is  the  mystery? 

Ask  now  these  questions  of  thy  soul: 

My  heart,  is  it  sincere? 
Do  I  his  holy  name  extol, 

And  is  He  truly  dear? 
Like  Peter  can  I,  too,  record 

And  urge  his  earnest  plea, 
"Thou  knowest  all  things,  gracious  Lord; 

Thou  knowest  I  love  Thee"? 

There  is  no  music  like  his  voice: 

To  this  can'st  thou  attest? 
No  message  makes  thee  so  rejoice 

As  "Come  to  me  and  rest"? 
If  there's  been  left  within  thine  heart 

By  word  or  deed  a  thorn, 
Can  prayer  extract  the  cruel  dart 

And  heal  it  ere  the  morn? 

[57] 


Does  prayer  cast  out  disquietude 

And  every  bitter  thought ; 
All  hate  and  enmity  exclude 

By  Love  with  patience  fraught? 
Or,  if  perchance  there  may  be  found 

A  hurt  that  festers  still, 
Is  this  the  balm  that  soothes  the  wound — 

"'Twas  needed;  'tis  God's  will"? 

Is  there  a  saint,  however  poor, 

However  lowly  born, 
That  earthly  treasure  could  allure 

Thee  to  mistreat  or  scorn? 
These  queries,  are  they  answered  well? 

Then  press  with  joy  toward  Heaven, 
Filled  with  that  peace  tongue  cannot  tell, 

The  sense  of  sin  forgiven. 

Accept  your  Saviour's  proffered  rest! 

Behold!  there's  grace  for  thee; 
All  those  who  love  Him  now  are  blest, — 

Love  in  sincerity. 


[58] 


THEY'RE  COMING! 

THEY'RE  coming!     And  it  seems  so  long 
Since  sadly  autumn  laid  them  low. 
They  left  us  with  the  robin's  song, 
They  left  us  to  the  ice  and  snow. 

They're  coming!     So  the  March  wind  saith. 
Though  singing  songs  with  icy  breath, 
He's  chanting  of  another  May, 
He's  chanting  of  King  Winter's  death. 

They're  coming!     'Neath  the  forest's  mold, 
In  mossy  beds  of  ferny  soil, 
Slowly  their  tiny  robes  unfold, 
Yet  do  they  neither  spin  nor  toil. 

They're  coming!     With  their  influence  pure, 

Their  emblematic  power  again 

Of  him  who  would  our  steps  allure 

To  realms  of  love,  devoid  of  pain. 

They're  coming!     With  the  summer's  breeze, 
With  azure  skies  and  sunny  showers, 
With  notes  of  birds  and  hum  of  bees — 
Who  will  not  welcome  back  the  flowers? 


[59] 


M191937 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


